Strasbourg, 10.02.2009 – “A normal, dignified life – this is what the ordinary people of Kosovo have told me they would like most,” said Björn von Sydow (Sweden, SOC), rapporteur for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the situation in Kosovo, at the end of a four-day visit there (2-5 February 2009), his first since the unilateral declaration of independence by the Kosovo Assembly.
“I intend to maintain a status-neutral approach to this delicate and divisive issue, whilst looking at the situation in Kosovo from the point of view of ordinary people,” said Mr von Sydow. “Everybody can surely agree at least on this lowest common denominator – that people in Kosovo should enjoy the same legal standards as other Europeans, irrespective of the ethnic community to which they belong, or whether they live north or south of the Ibar River.”
“There is much to be done in Kosovo to improve governance, stimulate the strengthening of democratic debate between the political forces and address the economic situation, in particular unemployment. But there is also much to be done to restore trust between communities and ensure the highest respect for communities’ rights, which is why reform of local self-government is a priority and should continue to be supported by all political forces.”
“There is also a pressing need to ensure respect for the rule of law throughout Kosovo: the European Union Rule of Law Mission to Kosovo (EULEX) was badly needed and I welcome its deployment. EULEX is confronted with some daunting challenges, however, not least the provision of justice in an uncertain and unclear legal framework and with a lengthy backlog of cases before the courts.”
“I was particularly struck by a meeting with the EULEX international judges and prosecutors at the Mitrovica North court, a group of serious and committed professionals who are eager to work but unable to do so, due to administrative hurdles and, most worryingly, the difficulty in persuading Serbian and Albanian judges and court staff to work alongside one another.”
Referring to the fact that 33 out of 47 Council of Europe member states have recognised Kosovo as an independent state, the rapporteur said: “The status neutrality of the Council of Europe should not be an obstacle to the full implementation of its activities in Kosovo in the core areas of democracy, rule of law and protection of human rights, as they are intended for the benefit of individuals.“
Mr von Sydow held extensive meetings in Pristina both with international and Kosovo authorities. He also visited Mitrovica, Gjilan and Gracanica.
-----
[All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood to be in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo].
